Norton] THE COPPERHEAD SNAKE 271 



' ' The venom of the copperhead is said by authorities to be more 

 violent than that of the moccasin. Small animals die more quickly 

 from the bite of a copperhead than from the bite of a moccasin. 

 The fangs are rather small in proportion to the size of the snake 

 as compared with the majority of the Crotaline serpents, especially 

 those of the warmer climates; this is also true of the moccasin. 



"The fangs of the rattlesnakes are much longer in proportion to 

 the general dimensions of those reptiles than with the two species 

 mentioned. By this I do not mean to convey the impression that 

 the copperhead is not formidable. It is a very dangerous snake, 

 well able to cause death. The venom kills instantly, almost, frogs, 

 toads and small animals. The copperhead makes an interesting 

 captive, thriving under proper care, but I do not advise his adop- 

 tion by amateur snake fanciers. 



"The number of young produced by this viviparous snake is 

 small, it usually varies from six to nine, the young being about ten 

 inches long. When born the young snakes have brilliant yellow 

 tails that look like grubs or maggots. When among dried leaves 

 the young snakes blend perfectly, it is practically impossible to 

 see them. They attract their food by moving the tail about and 

 the ever ready jaws calmly await the approach of the unsuspecting 

 wood frog. During the second year the yellow of the tail quickly 

 fades, the Texas form being the only one to retain the greenish 

 yellow tint through life." 



Upon the treatment of poisonous snake bites Mr. Ditmars said : 

 "Everything depends upon the promptitude in performing the 

 first two precautions. First, apply a ligature a short distance 

 above the bite, which is almost invariably on the arm or leg, 

 without losing a second. Second, enlarge the punctures by cutting 

 into them, at least as deep as they are. Make two cuts over each, 

 these cuts crossing one another. This cutting starts the flow of 

 the poisoned blood, which should be accelerated in every way. 

 Much poison is drawn from the wounds by sucking. Wash the 

 wounds clean and bathe them repeatedly in a solution composed 

 of Permanganate of Potash crystals in water to produce a deep 

 wine color. Above everything don't lose your head or get frightened, 

 only give a little whiskey and get the sufferer to a doctor with all 

 haste. 



"For those who at any time or for any purpose venture into dis- 

 tricts where poisonous snakes live, I have prepared a list of articles. 



